When Divyanka Tripathi announced her debut on the digital platform, it got her fans excited. For so many years we have seen her as Ishita Bhalla aka Ishi Maa in Ye Hai Mohabbatein, but in her debut web series Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, she looks completely different. The popular actress, who has lost oodles of weight, is seen romancing the handsome Rajeev Khandelwal on screen.
It’s hard to decide if we love her traditional avatar in YHM or her modern-yet-relatable self in the web series which is getting rave reviews from critics and viewers.
Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala is streaming on ALT Balaji and Zee5.
- What got you interested in the web series Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala?
It’s such a unique concept. We haven't had too many films or shows exploring the lives of chefs. There are plenty of competitions and reality shows around cooking, but fiction hasn't touched this profession yet. The journey of the characters along with their passion for food and the story going back and forth between their past and present makes this one absolutely unique.
- How different is Nitya from Ishita Bhalla, your character in Ye Hai Mohabbatein?
They are two different women with their distinctive journeys but they both are relatable and do exist in our society.
Nitya is a new age woman— fiery, acts like a lone soldier, has her defences high at all times. She's a perfectionist and an untamable soul.
Ishita is a softer person who compromises when needed and is very selfless.
- What kind training did you go through to get into the character of a chef?
I had taken up a few workshops to learn the nuances of cooking in order to step into the character. I'm a vegetarian and my first class required me to cook chicken. I never knew cutting vegetables needs such precision and practice. I grabbed most of the mannerisms from watching real chefs working in the kitchen.
- Do you like cooking in real life, and is there any particular dish that you have mastered?
I honestly only knew basic cooking before the show. In last few years, I didn't get much opportunity or motivation to do extensive cooking but post Coldd Lassi..., I have started enjoying cooking more.
- How was the experience of working your co-star Rajeev Khandelwal and director Pradeep Sakar?
Its been a fabulous experience. Rajeev is a mysterious mix of professional and mischievous. It was fun working with him. Pradeep Sarkar is a passionate director with an extraordinary vision. There was so much to learn from dada.
- How would you sum up your experience of working for the digital medium?
Its been amazing. I am learning to be patient as on television we are used to working at a fast pace. Webseries are treated like films, with a slightly extended story line. The level of preparation was different here.
- What makes the digital platform exciting for you?
In this medium I am getting to work with people who have a very different approach towards shooting. There's so much to study and satisfy my hungry 'actor’s soul'.